INCLEMENT weather conditions over the past few weeks forced sugar estates to halt operations for an extra two weeks, hence work on the second sugar crop for the season began only last week, when initially it was supposed to commence in the last week of July.This was disclosed by president of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, on Wednesday last during an interview with this publication.

“The crop was deferred by two weeks due to the inclement weather conditions; the conditions of the road, and also given the fact that the dams are bad; and due to the financial situation of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

“In the past, the dams were not properly looked after,” Chand explained.

He said four of the estates in the country, namely Albion, Rose Hall, Blairmont and Uitvlugt, have begun operating; while the prolonged rain caused some mishaps at the Skeldon Estate, and the Wales Estate is to commence operating next week.

He also said that production would gain momentum in time. “We have to see whether they are going to have canes, as the last three years’ production has increased significantly.”

Chand highlighted the fact that the target for this crop stands at 146,300 tonnes, while 81,191 tonnes have been recorded in the first crop.

“Once there is good weather, enough canes on the ground and a favourable industrial climate, there should be a smooth flow throughout the life of the second crop,” Chand said.
(Navendra Seoraj)